A MOTHER-SONG

Mother, O mother! forever I cry for you,

Sing the old song I may never forget;

Even in slumber I murmur and sigh for you.—

Mother, O mother,

Sing low, “Little brother,

Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!”

Mother, O mother! the years are so lonely,

Filled but with weariness, doubt and regret!

Ca n't you come back to me — for to-night only,

Mother, my mother,

And sing, “Little brother,

Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!”

Mother, O mother! of old I had never

One wish denied me, nor trouble to fret;

Now — must I cry out all vainly forever,—

Mother, sweet mother,

O sing, “Little brother,

Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!”

Mother, O mother! must longing and sorrow

Leave me in darkness, with eyes ever wet,

And never the hope of a meeting to-morrow?

Answer me, mother,

And sing, “Little brother,

Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!”